New Hampshire Housing Nonprofit Needs Volunteer Babysitters

A New Hampshire organization that's helped thousands of families avoid homelessness needs volunteers for one of its most important programs: watching kids while parents learn skills to stay housed.

Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire provides transitional housing for up to 24 families in Nashua. Their Prevention Program has exploded from serving 60 people in 2020 to 2,535 in 2025, helping families avoid eviction before homelessness happens.

Matt Hodgkiss, the Operations and Volunteer Program Director, needs babysitters on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. While parents attend financial literacy and family education classes, volunteers keep their kids entertained with board games, Barbies, coloring projects, and sensory toys.

"I have a volunteer who brings a whole bucket full of Barbies to play with the kids," Hodgkiss says. "I have a volunteer who brings board games and sensory toys for some of the kids who might not want to engage with other kids."

The organization also needs morning volunteers (6:30 to 9 a.m.) and evening helpers (6 to 9 p.m.) to assist with daily operations at the house, located at the former Infant Jesus School on Crown Street.

The Ripple Effect

Volunteering transformed Hodgkiss's own life. His mom encouraged him to start as a teenager, helping families move after evictions. That experience led to his current role, which he's held for nine years.

"I've been a member of staff for nine years, but I've been involved with this mission for over half my life," he says.

The organization recently welcomed LaTonya Muccioli as its new Executive Director. She previously served as Housing Services Officer for the City of Nashua and brings deep experience in preventing homelessness.

Hodgkiss welcomes all volunteers who pass a background check, even those who can only help occasionally. "Every little bit helps," he says. After training, new volunteers shadow experienced ones until they're comfortable working independently.

Anyone interested can reach Hodgkiss at matthew.hodgkiss@familypromisesnh.org.